THE Nashville PredatorsThis season’s struggles have made Steven Stamkos the subject of trade speculation.
Despite reports a month ago Claiming the Predators have not approached the 35-year-old right winger about his future, his name continues to surface as a trade candidate.
Stamkos is signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $8 million and a full no-move clause. The two-time Richard Trophy winner and Stanley Cup champion has seen his goal tally decline since scoring 40 goals in 2023-24 with his former club, Tampa Bay Lightning.
The combination of Stamkos’ age, contract and declining production makes him difficult to move this season. Nonetheless, some observers continue to suggest potential trade destinations.
Ryan Dixon of Sportsnet recently proposed five possible landing spots for Stamkos, assuming he’s willing to waive his no-movement clause. They understand the Montreal Canadiens, Winnipeg Jets, Seattle Kraken, Carolina Hurricanes And
Detroit Red Wings.
The Canadiens reportedly looked into his availability in early November, but it seemed more like due diligence. None of the other people appear to have made a call.
Given Stamkos’ reluctance to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2016, he’s unlikely to want to live in the fishbowl that comes with playing for a Canadian team. The Kraken needs a superstar, but Stamkos can no longer reliably fill that role. Meanwhile, the Red Wings’ priority is to improve their defensive game.
The Hurricanes appear to be the most likely destination on Dixon’s list. They are in win-now mode, have the necessary cap space and tradeable assets, and briefly acquired Mikko Rantanen last season before trading him to Dallas.
However, Rantanen is younger than Stamkos and is in his prime. The Hurricanes might not want to pursue an aging star whose best years are behind him.
Meanwhile, starting goaltender Stuart Skinner’s continued struggles have led some pundits to suggest that
Edmonton Oilers should ship it and find a suitable replacement. However, this is not likely to happen anytime soon.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported Saturday that Skinner did not request a trade from the Oilers. He also said that they did not intend to make a move for the sake of it, nor a lateral move. They would rather not make a trade at all than make a trade based on panic.
The Oilers have no choice but to remain patient. There are currently no suitable goalie enhancements available on the commercial market.
Friedman said there are teams with backup goaltenders, such as Columbus Blue Jackets, Pittsburgh Penguins And Buffalo swords. However, the Oilers don’t see any of this as an improvement over their current goalies.
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